Fiat set to revamp Chrysler powertrain line-up

NOW under Fiat rule, the Chrysler Group has realigned its powertrain organisation in preparation for the integration of engines and transmissions from the Italian manufacturer into various models across the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands.

Former Turin-based Fiat Powertrain Technologies vice-president of product engineering Paolo Ferrero has been relocated to Detroit as senior vice-president of Chrysler Powertrain, reporting directly to Chrysler Group/Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne.

Mr Ferrero is responsible for all powertrain activities for the Chrysler Group “with a focus on technology sharing with the Fiat Powertrain Technologies organisation”.

One of the most anticipated new technologies for Chrysler, which could have a positive effect on sales in Australia, is the employment of Fiat’s acclaimed MultiAir petrol engine family.

Mr Ferrero will also provide “indirect oversight of powertrain manufacturing, testing, quality, and international operations while also ensuring strong integration and alignment with the Chrysler Group vehicle engineering organisation and other supporting functions”.

Left: Dodge Challenger.

Until now, Chrysler’s head of powertrain engineering – currently Robert Lee – has reported to the head of product development, not the CEO.

Chrysler is still to confirm a new role for Mr Lee, although overseas reports indicate that he is still on the payroll and that restructuring is continuing in this department.

The significant powertrain realignment comes four months after Fiat purchased a controlling 20 per cent stake in Chrysler when the latter emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Since then, under a new management structure organised along brand lines, both manufacturers have been working to develop broader product portfolios for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, leveraging both powertrains and platforms from Fiat.

Details are still to be disclosed, although Chrysler is expected to formally announce a new product portfolio next month.

As GoAuto has reported, Fiat’s equity interest in Chrysler will increase in increments by up to a total of 35 per cent as long as it meets certain milestones mandated by the agreement with the US government and other partners. One of these is to build a small fuel-efficient engine in North America.

News from the recent Frankfurt motor show indicated that a number of new Fiat-based models are in the pipeline to reduce Chrysler’s reliance on people-movers, pick-up trucks and SUVs.

Dodge looks set to pick up where GM’s Pontiac is leaving off with a range of driver-oriented passengers cars as part of a move to better distinguish the brand from Chrysler, while Chrysler looks like becoming a full-line contender, offering everything from an all-new compact car (built off Fiat’s A platform) to luxury sedans, the latter moving more upmarket than Cadillac to better rival the established European marques – including, presumably, Fiat’s own Alfa Romeo.

Speaking of Alfa, reports out of Europe suggest the successor to the now-defunct 166 – dubbed the 169 and due for release in 2011 – will switch to Chrysler’s LX large-car platform, which underpins the 300C and Dodge’s Charger, with production to be centred in Canada.

This will coincide with Alfa Romeo’s planned full-scale assault on the US market, where it will broaden its range beyond the ultra-exclusive 8C Competizione.

Meanwhile, the Chrysler Group also announced last week that it had appointed Scott Garberding as its acting head of manufacturing, replacing executive vice-president Frank Ewasyshyn who has gone on temporary medical leave. Mr Garberding will report directly to Sergio Marchionne.